Asia’s Phoenix, Morissette, is the powerful voice behind the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) new Love the Philippines song, which showcases the many reasons to fall in love with the country.
More than a travel destination, the Philippines is home to many beautiful things worth discovering. Food, festivals, traditions, and the people all add to the connections that are developed and strengthened when travelers explore and experience what makes the Philippines beautiful and unique.
Philippine Festivals
Having traveled around the globe for her career as a singer, Morissette is proud to have the opportunity to share with the world what makes the Philippines more than just a fun destination but a place anyone can easily feel at home and experience love through many forms. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Cebu, Morrissette carries the warmth and spirit of her hometown wherever she goes. “My family and I were based in Cebu City Proper. I love how it’s a perfect mix of the province and city vibe.” she shares, her eyes sparkling with affection for her hometown.
Where Her Love Began: A Cebuana at Heart
Born and raised in Cebu City, Morissette holds a deep affection for her hometown. “One of the things I’ve always loved about Cebu but only got to fully experience now as an adult, is that there are so many different things and activities to do there,” she shares. Having experienced her childhood in such a beautiful city, it’s no wonder that this experience has shaped her love for the Philippines.
A Love for Filipino Flavors
Morissette’s love for the Philippines is deeply intertwined with her love for the local food. “One of my favorite Filipino dishes is anything barbecued,” she shared, saying her favorite Cebu barbecue spot is Larsian, a big barbecue hub. She fondly recalls pairing every dish with puso rice, a staple in her hometown. Of course, no Filipino food experience is complete without something sweet, and for Morissette, nothing beats having a halo-halo, a popular local iced dessert. “Perfect [treat] to combat the Philippine heat, especially during the summertime.”
Onwards Across the Islands
The Love the Philippines music video beautifully captures the country’s abundance of places worth exploring, showcasing the treasure trove of experiences that travelers can expect, not just beaches, which the Philippines is well known for.
Together with her husband, Morissette enjoys exploring the Philippines’ 7641 islands, embarking on various trips, like hikes with their two beloved dogs. “We’ve been to Baguio and Tagaytay, and have also taken them on beach trips to Batangas and La Union.” she said with a smile. “By car, we’ve been loving Tagaytay because of how close it is to Metro Manila and you get to enjoy a colder weather and all the woodsy feels. On a plane, we’ve been loving Bohol. We get to relax there, and I’ve also seen some of the best sunsets in the Panglao area,” she added.
She also finds herself frequently visiting Cebu and Quezon province the most, being her and her husband’s hometowns. “We get to see family when we visit and just [feel] right at home.” But it doesn’t stop there. Her travel bucket list is still brimming with destinations waiting to be explored, “I’d love to visit Bataan, Camiguin, and Palawan,” she excitedly shared. She’s also eager to go on a full tour of Intramuros, explore Palawan’s geological sites, and taste the famous mangoes of Guimaras.
A Song as Beautiful as the Philippines
As the voice behind the DOT’s Love the Philippines song is an honor that Morissette cherishes deeply. “I am thrilled to be the voice of the latest tourism campaign of the Philippines. I hope it reminds a lot of our kababayans of how there’s also so much to love, explore, and experience [in] our country, and that we’ve always been rich in culture, especially in music,” she enthused. Through her voice, she hopes to inspire Filipinos to embrace their homeland, see it with fresh eyes, and fall in love with what the Philippines has to offer.
Reflecting on her collaboration with the Department of Tourism, she describes the experience as a dream come true. “I’m so grateful to be given the trust and opportunity, this has always been a dream of mine to represent my country this way. And even in my own ways as I continue to travel around the world also, I will continue to try to be the best representation of the Philippines, especially in my music and craft.” This commitment shows her passion in showcasing not just Filipino talent but also the Philippines to the world.
“I will always be proud of the Filipino hospitality and congeniality, whether here in our country or abroad. There’s so many of our kababayans all over the world and I’ve heard time and time again from other nationalities of how Filipinos are always some of the most friendly and hardworking people. On the other hand, I will always vouch for our music scene here, both with Original Pilipino Music and local concerts. And of course, we have a lot of beautiful islands, an interesting history and a vast mix of cultures.” Having heard countless stories of Filipinos known for their kindness and hard work across the globe, she strives to carry that same positive spirit wherever she goes. Through her music, she hopes to keep the Filipino identity alive and inspire others to celebrate their heritage, as they fall in love with the Philippines, one experience at a time.
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